Pressey named to CBS All-American First Team

CBS Sports named Missouri basketball junior Phil Pressey a Preseason First Team All-American on Monday. A finalist for the 2012 Bob Cousy Award, Pressey helped lead Mizzou to a 30-5 record last season and shattered the school record with 223 assists over 35 games.

“He is the consummate point guard,” CBS College Basketball insider Jeff Goodman said. “It’s so rare in college basketball today to have a guy like Phil who just makes everyone better. That’s the No. 1 quality of a point guard, someone that heightens the level of play of everyone around him. Phil is a good leader and can be a great defender, but ultimately what sets him apart is his ability to put opposing defenses on their heels and get his teammates open looks.”

Pressey was a First Team All-Big 12 pick by CBS Sports last season and was a Big 12 All-Tournament Team selection after the Tigers claimed the Big 12 title in Kansas City. He averaged career highs in scoring (10.3), rebounding (3.3), assists (6.4) and steals (2.1).

Pressey, along with Mike Dixon was named a Preseason Second Team All-American by the Sporting News. Dixon was actually Missouri’s most efficient scorer in league play a year ago and was college basketball’s top scorer off the bench (13.5 ppg).